Quote Of The Day By Albert Einstein: 'The Example Of Great And Pure Characters Is The Only Thing That Can...'

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Albert Einstein was a total genius, but his teachers notably didn't think so. One of them famously scoffed that the young man's future looked rather grim, and that any measure of success was sure to elude him; all because Einstein craved to be his own individual and pursue creative ventures, which were frowned upon in the Prussian-style education system he found himself subjected to. He also wasn't an A student. Einstein, who was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Württemberg, in Germany, eventually dropped out of school when he was 16. But, despite not having completed his education, he was allowed to take an entrance exam at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich. Einstein passed math and physics with flying colors, but got an F in biology, chemistry, and French. Still, his mathematical aptitude got him accepted into the school, and it marked the beginning of his stellar career as a scientist.

Not only was Einstein a genius, but he also turned out to be a rather excellent negotiator. His peers utilized this skill during World War I when a group of students took over the University of Berlin. Several professors and the university's rector were held hostage, and Einstein was called in to be the mediator because he was respected by both sides. Together with his colleague, Max Born, they managed to defuse the situation without any casualties. Einstein even won the Nobel Prize "for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect," in 1922, per The Nobel Prize website. His discoveries and his work continue to be the building blocks of modern science, but Einstein also penned several works independent of his scientific discoveries, from which we pulled today's quote.

"The example of great and pure characters is the only thing that can produce fine ideas and noble deeds," Albert Einstein penned in his essay entitled "Of Wealth," which was part of his collection, "The World As I See It," which was originally published in 1934. This quote formed part of a broader statement related to money, and how the pursuit of riches can corrupt one's soul. Einstein seemed to be of the opinion that good deeds flow from good people, and that no amount of money can buy you a good character, or replicate the effects those of noble character have on the world.

We can fool people with our words, but we can rarely deceive them with our actions, especially when we're put under pressure. Our true character is brought to light in our works. Those who are pure of heart will produce good work and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Those who throw money at everything instead of setting a good example will not have the same impact. Legendary thinker Albert Einstein seemingly believed that a good character cannot be bought, nor can an imitation of it inspire people in the same manner as the real thing. Money, at its core, might motivate people, but it doesn't inspire. He went on to list historical figures like Jesus Christ, Moses, and Mahatma Ghandi, and how they achieved their purposes and inspired millions with their character and good works — crucially, not with their money. 

In fact, they resolved to live simplistic lives. We, too, need to first and foremost assess who we are without our riches. Is that person someone we're proud of? Or, are we using our earthly possessions and status to project a false image? Are we more focused on how we can help others and set a good example than flaunting our earthly possessions? Most importantly, are we inspiring others to do good around us? Even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple effect we cannot begin to comprehend, and we should all strive to be more focused on our characters than we are on our bank accounts.

• "I am absolutely convinced that no wealth in the world can help humanity forward, even in the hands of the most devoted worker in this cause."

• "Money only appeals to selfishness and always tempts its owners irresistibly to abuse it."

• "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."

• "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

• "Blind obedience to authority is the greatest enemy of truth."